Lefter Kucukandonyadis, a legendary Turkish-Greek footballer, is the subject of a new Netflix film titled *Lefter: The Story of the Ordinarius*. The movie chronicles his illustrious career from the 1940s to the 1960s, while also shedding light on Turkey’s complex history with its minorities. Born into a Greek family in Istanbul in 1924, Lefter’s life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, reflecting the struggles of non-Muslim citizens in Turkey. Despite his marginalized identity, he became a football icon, earning the nickname “Ordinarius” (the professor) for his exceptional skills. His career with Fenerbahce, one of Turkey’s “Big Three” clubs, solidified his legacy, but his personal story reveals deeper societal issues. The film explores his experiences during World War II, the Wealth Tax targeting minorities, and the 1955 Istanbul pogrom, where he faced violent attacks. Lefter’s life was a testament to resilience, as he navigated identity, loyalty, and loss. His story continues to resonate, with the Turkish Football Federation naming the 2018–19 Super League season in his honor.
分类： entertainment
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Two iconic events set to redefine Dubai’s December fashion calendar
As Boulevard One commemorates 15 years of redefining South Asian luxury in Dubai, the brand is set to host two extraordinary fashion events this December. The celebrations kick off with ‘A Vogue Moment Vol. II’ on December 4 at Folly Dubai, followed by ‘The Velvet Show’ on December 6 at The Ballroom, Address Sky View Hotel. These events promise to elevate Dubai’s fashion calendar with unparalleled creativity and elegance. ‘A Vogue Moment Vol. II’ will transform Folly Dubai into a hub of high fashion, featuring exclusive collections from renowned designers such as Deepak Perwani, Wardha Saleem, Hamna Amir, Jafar Jafry, Zainab Salman, and Nomi Ansari. The event will be directed by Vaneeza Ahmad, with NABILA as the official beauty partner, ensuring a night of sophistication and modern luxury. Sadaf M. Khan, CEO of Boulevard One, describes the event as a tribute to the brand’s journey and its community of designers, collaborators, and audiences. ‘The Velvet Show’ will continue the festivities, showcasing over 85 leading South Asian designers in a grand exhibition at Address Sky View. This event will offer Dubai’s fashion enthusiasts a chance to explore bridal, festive, and couture collections from celebrated fashion houses across Pakistan and India. Since its inception in 2012, Boulevard One has been a trailblazer in South Asian luxury fashion, connecting designers with a global audience through its prestigious events and e-commerce platform. The brand’s commitment to female entrepreneurship, creative collaboration, and cross-cultural luxury continues to shine on the international stage.
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Miss Universe judging panel loses another member as football manager withdraws
The Miss Universe pageant, already grappling with internal tensions, encountered another setback on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, as two prominent judges withdrew from the event. Musician Omar Harfouch cited concerns over what he described as unfair practices in the competition’s voting procedures, while French football manager Claude Makélélé stepped down citing ‘personal reasons.’ Harfouch, a renowned concert pianist and composer, had been invited to join the judging panel in July but resigned following a ‘disrespectful conversation’ with Raul Rocha regarding the voting process. He also announced that he would not allow his composed music to be used at the event. Makélélé, who was recently added to the selection committee, expressed regret over his decision, emphasizing his respect for the pageant’s values of empowerment, diversity, and excellence. ‘This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard,’ he stated. ‘I sincerely apologize to the organization, the contestants, and everyone involved, and I hope to contribute in the future under better circumstances.’ The Miss Universe organization had previously praised Makélélé’s leadership and vision, highlighting his role in selecting the next Miss Universe in Thailand. These withdrawals add to the mounting challenges facing the pageant, raising questions about its internal governance and future direction.
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‘Dhurandhar’: Deepika Padukone cheers trailer of Ranveer Singh’s new movie
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has expressed her excitement over the release of the trailer for her husband Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film, ‘Dhurandhar’. The trailer, which was unveiled on Tuesday, presents a dark and intense narrative centered around politics and vengeance. Singh, who is seen in a rugged and transformative role, has garnered significant attention for his portrayal in this high-stakes espionage drama. Deepika took to social media to praise her husband, referring to him as ‘The Chameleon’ for his remarkable ability to adapt to diverse characters. The trailer also showcases Singh’s physical transformation, featuring long hair and a beard, which has resonated well with audiences. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has already impressed several Bollywood stars, including Yami Gautam, Alia Bhatt, and Priyanka Chopra. The four-minute-and-eight-second trailer introduces key characters played by Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, among others. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, ‘Dhurandhar’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 5, 2025.
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Miss Universe official resigns questioning judging process; pageant issues clarification
The 74th Miss Universe pageant has been rocked by controversy as Omar Harfouch, a renowned concert pianist and composer, resigned from his role as a jury member, citing a lack of transparency in the judging process. Harfouch, who was invited to join the official panel in July, expressed his concerns following a ‘disrespectful conversation’ with Raul Rocha regarding the competition’s voting procedures. In a public statement, Harfouch announced he would also refrain from playing the music he composed for the event, stating he refused to be ‘a part of this charade.’ He further criticized the preliminary selection process, which he claimed was conducted without the presence of the eight official judges, including himself. Harfouch highlighted potential conflicts of interest, alleging that some individuals involved in the voting process had personal relationships with contestants. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) responded by asserting that all judging remains official, transparent, and fully governed by MUO protocols. The organization also clarified that the Beyond the Crown Program operates independently and does not influence the competition’s evaluation process. MUO has prohibited Harfouch from using or associating himself with any Miss Universe trademarks, logos, titles, or registered properties, warning of potential legal action. This year’s pageant, scheduled for November 21 in Thailand, has already faced multiple controversies, including the dismissal of host Nawat Itsaragrisil following a heated exchange with Mexican delegate Fatima Bosch. The incident, along with other walkouts and confrontations, has cast a shadow over the event, raising questions about the management of high-profile competitions under global scrutiny.
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Ariana Grande opens up on possibility of ‘Wicked 3’
Ariana Grande has sparked speculation about the possibility of a third installment in the ‘Wicked’ film series during a recent panel discussion with her co-star Cynthia Erivo. The duo, who star in the upcoming ‘Wicked: For Good,’ shared their emotional journey and deep connection to the project. Grande humorously referenced Cher’s infamous ‘farewell tours,’ suggesting that the story of ‘Wicked’ might not be over just yet. ‘No one’s going anywhere,’ she quipped, hinting at the potential for future adaptations. While Universal Studios has not officially announced a third film, the rich source material from L. Frank Baum’s ‘Oz’ series leaves ample room for expansion. Grande expressed her relief and joy at finally bringing her character, Glinda, to life on the big screen, describing the experience as transformative. She also reflected on her renewed passion for acting and the profound bond she shares with Erivo, calling their collaboration ‘the greatest gift of my life.’ Fans of the franchise are left eagerly anticipating what the future holds for ‘Wicked.’
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Parineeti Chopra, Raghav Chadha share first glimpse of their baby boy ‘Neer’
Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra and her husband, Indian lawmaker Raghav Chadha, have shared the first glimpse of their newborn son, Neer, in a heartfelt social media post. The couple posted intimate pictures featuring their baby boy’s tiny feet, capturing a tender moment of parental love. The caption accompanying the images read, ‘Our hearts found peace in an eternal drop of life. We named him Neer—pure, divine, limitless.’ The announcement has garnered widespread attention and warm wishes from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Actor Varun Dhawan expressed his joy in response to the post. The couple first announced the birth of their son in October 2025, describing their overwhelming happiness and the profound change he has brought to their lives. Earlier in August, they revealed their pregnancy with a creative Instagram post featuring a cake that read, ‘1+1=3,’ accompanied by the caption, ‘Our little universe … on its way. Blessed beyond measure.’ Parineeti and Raghav tied the knot in September 2023 at the luxurious Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family. The couple’s journey into parenthood has been celebrated with immense joy and positivity by their admirers.
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A Fairytale for Christmas is coming to Dubai for the first time! New Covent Garden, Mall of the Emirates
Dubai is set to host the enchanting Irish-inspired festive concert, ‘A Fairytale for Christmas,’ for the first time. The event will take place at New Covent Garden, Mall of the Emirates, from December 19 to 21, 2025. Presented by MAC Global in collaboration with Prestige Chameleon International, the concert promises a delightful mix of Christmas classics and traditional Irish music. Audiences can look forward to beloved holiday tunes like ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ ‘Step into Christmas,’ and ‘Oh Holy Night,’ alongside Irish favorites such as ‘The Galway Girl,’ ‘The Irish Rover,’ and ‘Dirty Old Town.’
Creator and producer Ged Graham expressed his excitement about bringing the show to Dubai, stating, ‘The response to the production has been remarkable, and we’re pleased to bring it to Dubai as part of the world tour. The show combines festive music with Irish influences in a way that audiences have responded to warmly.’
The three-day event offers families and music enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience a festive performance that seamlessly blends Christmas melodies with Irish folk traditions. Tickets for the concert start at AED 195 and are available for purchase on platinumlist.net.
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Watch: Moment a Gustav Klimt painting sells for record amount
In a historic moment for the art world, Gustav Klimt’s ‘Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer’ has shattered records, fetching an astounding $236.4 million (including fees) at auction. This monumental sale not only underscores the enduring allure of Klimt’s work but also cements the painting’s place as the second most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. The event has sparked widespread discussion among collectors, historians, and enthusiasts, highlighting the timeless value of masterpieces from the early 20th century. The sale reflects the growing appetite for high-caliber art in the global market, as well as the cultural and historical significance attributed to Klimt’s oeuvre. This record-breaking transaction is poised to influence future art auctions, setting a new benchmark for the valuation of iconic works.
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Klimt painting second most expensive artwork sold at auction
A masterpiece by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, the Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer, was auctioned for a staggering $236.4 million in New York on Tuesday, securing its place as the second most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. The intense 20-minute bidding war involved six participants, though the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed by Sotheby’s, the auction house overseeing the sale. Painted between 1914 and 1916, the portrait has a tumultuous history, having been looted by the Nazis during World War II and nearly destroyed in a fire. It was rescued in 1948 and returned to Erich Lederer, the brother of the subject and a friend of Klimt’s contemporary, Egon Schiele. The painting remained in the Lederer family until its sale in 1983. The artwork depicts Elisabeth Lederer, an heiress and daughter of one of Klimt’s patrons, adorned in a white robe against a backdrop of a blue tapestry adorned with Asian motifs. The Nazis, who annexed Austria in 1938, plundered the Lederer art collection but spared the family portraits. In 1985, Leonard A. Lauder, heir to the Estée Lauder fortune, acquired the painting, displaying it in his Fifth Avenue residence. The sale far exceeded pre-auction estimates of $150 million, surpassing the previous record for a Klimt artwork, Lady with a Fan, which sold for $108.8 million in 2023. The event also featured other Klimt works from Lauder’s collection, including Flowering Meadow and Forest Slope at Unterach am Attersee, each fetching between $60 million and $80 million. The most expensive artwork ever auctioned remains Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, which sold for $450.3 million in 2017. In a curious twist, a fully functional gold toilet sculpture by Maurizio Cattelan was sold for $12.1 million just an hour after the Klimt sale, with the buyer identified as a prominent American brand.